Asem Bhakta
Special Correspondent North East
Imphal: Over 500 bikes and thousands of protesters rolled through Manipur’s valley districts on Saturday in one of the largest demonstrations this year against narco-terrorism and militant violence.
The rally, organised by the Students’ Front of the Coordinating Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI) under the banner “Save Manipur from Narco Terrorism,” began at Koujeng Leima Temple in Sekmai and ended at Khuman Lampak, Imphal. Youths, women, student bodies, and civil society groups joined the march.
Valley-wide show of strength.
The procession passed through Luwangsangbam, Chingmeirong, Thangmeiband, Khoyathong, Nagamapal, Keishampat, Bishnupur, Moirang, Kumbi, Kakching, Thoubal, Lilong, Singjamei, and Wangkhei.
COCOMI Convenor Yengkokpam Dhiren said the rally was a call to unite people against organised violence, illegal armed groups, and the expanding drug network threatening the state.Protest follows recent abductions.
The demonstration comes after reports that 20 civilians were abducted from Leilon Veiphei and Sapormeina between May 13-15. While 14 have been released, six remain in captivity, according to community leaders.
Civil society groups have issued a three-day ultimatum demanding the safe rescue of the hostages. Their demands include legal action against those involved, scrapping the SoO agreement with the Kuki National Front (Presidential), stronger security operations, and the removal of BJP MLA Nemcha Kipgen over alleged family links to a militant.
“We will remain united”
COCOMI said indigenous communities will stand united against attacks, territorial aggression, and narco-linked militant activities, calling the rally the start of a sustained campaign until the government acts.
